Authors note: Special thanks to Linda Delaney for the use of her characters as well as her help and encouragement with this story. I’d also like to thank Jane Daffron for the use of Karen and Sean.
Sequel to Obsession
“Well Lee. What are your plans?” Admiral Harriman Nelson asked.
“I’m not sure sir, I was going to check with Dr. Bricker at Oceanview. Maybe drive out and see for myself just how tight security is.” Lee Crane told his friend.
Nelson looked at Crane closely before speaking, “Julie.”
“Yes sir,” he answered his eyes downcast.
“That’s a long drive and we do have a meeting with Admiral Stark this evening. You’ve gone to the sanitarium each time we’ve come back from a mission. She can’t get out. It’s been ten months. The electronic locking system they have their would be hard for a professional to get into let alone a woman with no electronics in her background. Not to mention she’s catatonic.”
“I know all that Admiral. I just need to make sure.” Lee looked at his watch. “It’s only 0800. I can be there in approximately three to four hours, check on Julie and be on my way back. Our meeting with Admiral Stark isn’t until 1900. The last time I went to Oceanview I could have sworn she knew I was watching her through the window in her door. Dr. Bricker assured me that was not possible, but I can’t shake the feeling. I’m going to Oceanview this morning. I’ll be back in time to meet with Admiral Stark.” Crane said clearly agitated by his own feelings of insecurity when it came to Julie. This woman had impacted his life in so many ways and he just wanted to make sure she wouldn’t be hurting anyone else he knew or loved.
“It’s a long drive to make alone Lee. I have an appointment to see Dr. Bricker before we leave on this next assignment. What if I were to come with you?”
Lee Crane knew Nelson didn’t need to see Dr. Bricker. He was just using it as an excuse to go with him. “I’d appreciate the company sir.”
“What time do you want to leave?”
“Now. If that’s ok with you?”
“Let me tell Angie where she can contact us if she needs to and we’ll be on our way.” Nelson spoke into the voicelink and Lee Crane heard him tell his secretary where they were going. “Why don’t we take my car?” Nelson asked.
“Ok.” Crane said, a little distracted by thoughts of Julie Parsons-Radcliff. They got into Nelson’s car and were soon driving the long stretch of highway between NIMR and Oceanview. Lee had his window rolled down and his eyes closed. He was thinking of the day Julie had walked back into his life. He still carried the guilt of Leah Petroni’s death, even though he had not been the one to kill her. Julie had murdered four people, Joey Radcliff, her husband, as well as her own parents and Leah. She had him Kidnapped and he had sustained multiple injuries before Nelson and the police were able to find and rescue him. It was hard to believe that it had only been ten months since it had all taken place, he still had nightmares of the events. Most nights they were so bad he would wake in a cold sweat and would be unable to sleep the rest of the night. He was really beginning to feel the effects of the sleepless nights and would soon need to ask Jamie for something to help him get some rest. He opened his eyes and turned to Nelson. “Thanks again for coming with me,” he said shakily. “And don’t give me that garbage about you needing to see Dr. Bricker. I was with you the last time you and Chip saw him. He said he was not making any more appointments for either of you and that you both have a clean bill of health.”
“Nothing gets by you.” Nelson laughed, “All right. I just want to make sure you’re ok.”
“I am Admiral. I just think about Leah and what might have been if she and I hadn’t met.”
“Lee. What happened to Leah was not your fault. If you’re thinking like that, then I should feel guilty about hiring her to replace Angie. People like Julie seem to do what they want no matter whom it hurts. I don’t carry any guilt, thanks to Bricker, and neither should you.”
“I know that, Admiral. I know it wasn’t my fault, but it still doesn’t make it any easier.”
“Are you still having nightmares?” Nelson asked, the concern evident in his voice.
Crane looked at his friend not really surprised that the Admiral had known about the nightmares. “Yes sir, how did you know?”
“I can see by those circles under your eyes, that you’re not sleeping properly. Sometimes I hear you yelling in your sleep when I walk by your cabin. Lee, have you thought about talking with Dr. Bricker. You’d be amazed how good it feels to get things off your mind. It worked for Chip and me after what Gamma did, and maybe it will help you as well. I can talk with Dr. Bricker and even stay with you if you want.”
“I’ll think about it Admiral.” Lee said as he closed his eyes again.
Nelson looked at his friend and knew he had to do something to help. He resolved to talk with David Bricker and ask if he would see Lee. When Lee was ready to talk that was. He saw Oceanview sanitarium on the hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It brought back a lot of painful memories, but at least now he could face them and deal with them. ‘Lee needs to talk to Bricker professionally and learn how to deal with what happened before the guilt tears him apart. I have to make him see that. Maybe I’ll make it an order, he thought. Sometimes Lee Crane could be as stubborn as a mule when it came to his own health. Chip Morton was the same way; maybe that’s why the three Seaview officers could get along so well. We’re all alike! Too much alike, he thought with a smile.
Unknown to Harriman Nelson, Lee Crane had fallen into a restless sleep and was even now in the grips of a terrible nightmare that was played over and over almost every time he slept…
“They’re all dead, Lee. Now no one stands between us.” Crane walked slowly through the corridors of Seaview. Bodies were lined up on the floor. Among them were Nelson, Morton, Jamison, Patterson, O’Brien, Kowalski, Sharkey and countless others. All dead because of him. “I’m coming for you Lee. I love you and now you need me.” He started running, but her voice followed him everywhere. “JULIE NO. They can’t be dead. NO! I WON’T LET YOU. NO! NO! NO!”
He was tossing and turning as Nelson pulled into a parking space and he gently put his hand on Lee’s shoulder. “Lee, it’s ok. I’m here. Wake up son. Wake up. You’re safe.” Lee Crane opened his eyes and looked into the worried face of his friend. “Tell me about the nightmare Lee.”
Lee Crane put his head back and sighed. “ It’s the same one every time. I’m on Seaview and every one is dead. Bodies everywhere, and Julie’s voice coming from the mike. I wake up just as she’s about to catch me every time.” He said in a shaky voice.
“How long as this been going on?” the concern in his voice, making Lee aware, once again, of how much the Admiral cared about what happened to him.
“Since the beginning.” Lee said softly.
“Ten months. Lee, that’s too long! I’m going to talk to Dr. Bricker. I think he can help you. Will you at least talk to him?”
“I guess so.”
“Good. Let’s go see if he’s free.” Nelson and Crane got out of the car and walked towards the entrance to Oceanview. They produced their identification at the front desk and asked to see Dr. David Bricker. The guard put through a call to his office and when he was done told them to go ahead. He gave them each a visitor tag that was to be worn at all times.
When they reached Dr. Bricker’s office his secretary, Miss Newman, told them to have a seat and she would let them know when he could see them.
Lee closed his eyes and could feel Nelson watching him, “I’m ok Admiral.” He said softly, “Just tired.”
“ I can see that. You really need to get a good night’s sleep.”
“That would be nice.” Lee said quietly.
“Dr. Bricker will see you now.” Miss Newman told them. They stood up and Crane held the door for Nelson, closing it softly behind him.
“Harry, how are you doing?” He extended his hand to Nelson, who shook it warmly. Turning to Lee Crane, he said “Hello, Captain Crane.” Crane acknowledged the greeting with a slight nod of his head.
“I’m fine, David.” Nelson replied. “I’m here for another reason today.”
“Is Chip having problems?” Bricker’s face showed concern
“No. He’s fine too. Actually it’s Captain Crane who’s having the problems.” Nelson looked towards his Captain.
“Really,” he said, looking carefully at Lee, “Is it something I can help you with, Captain?”
“I don’t know, Dr. Bricker, I really don’t know…” Lee said softly.
“All you have to do is talk, Captain.” Bricker said with a calm reassurance. “It might help.”
“I’ve been having Nightmares. Nightmares that are so disturbing that I try NOT to sleep.”
“Would you like to talk about them?”
“I don’t want to bother you.” Lee said reluctantly, “If you have other things to do, I can come back.”
“I’m free right now. Why don’t you start by telling me how often you’re dreaming and when they started?”
Surprisingly, Lee felt he could speak frankly with this doctor. He knew how much he’d helped Nelson and Morton when they were here. “I’ve been having nightmares since Julie Parsons-Radcliff came back into my life.”
“How long ago was that?” He asked, picking up a notebook.
“Ten months ago.” Crane said and lapsed into silence.
“How often are they coming?” Bricker asked wanting to get Lee Crane talking again.
“Whenever I try to sleep.” His voice was almost a whisper.
“How long since you had a good night’s sleep?”
“I don’t remember. Maybe two weeks ago. Once in a while I sleep without dreaming.”
“That doesn’t happen very often, does it?” Bricker asked while writing in his book. He looked up as Crane shook his head. “Care to tell me about it.” Lee looked at Nelson and began to tell Bricker the nightmare he had about Seaview and her crew. “Is that the only one?”
“No.” Crane said.
“What others have you had?”
Seaview’s Captain remained quiet.
“Do you want me to leave Lee?” Nelson asked softly.
“I’d rather you stayed, but…”
“Does the other nightmare have to do with Admiral Nelson?” Dr. Bricker asked.
“Yes… yes, it does. I want him to stay. I just don’t want him feeling guilty.” Lee said looking at Nelson.
“I can handle whatever it is you have to say, Lee. Talk to Dr. Bricker, It’ll make you feel better.” Nelson encouraged his friend.
Crane sighed and began to tell them about the second nightmare. “The other nightmare I have has to do with something that happened on Seaview. I have this dream that Julie and Captain Krueger are after Admiral Nelson and Chip Morton.” Lee glanced at Nelson and saw the Admiral cringe at the mention of Krueger’s name. Bricker saw the exchange and asked Lee who Krueger was. “He was an enemy Sub Captain who tried to kill me. He’s dead now and I know he can’t hurt anyone, but he keeps coming back in my nightmares. Julie and Krueger are well suited for one another.”
“Tell me about Julie. Is she the same one that tried to kill you ten months ago?” Bricker knew the background from Cranes previous trips to Oceanview.
“Yes. I came here today to make sure she couldn’t get out.”
“Julie Parsons-Radcliff won’t be going anywhere for a long time. She’s in maximum security. The doors can’t be opened without the electronic passkey and the access code. There are guards at each door and you have to get past them as well.”
“Electronics have a way of failing at inopportune times. If someone got the key and managed to get the code they could get out of here.” Crane said forcefully.
“We have armed guards, and in case of power outages we have our own generator. Julie is also Catatonic. Do you know what that means?” Bricker asked him in a soothing voice.
“I’ve been reading about it. I know there are cases where people are thought to be catatonic but are able to fake the condition perfectly. I also know that generators can fail. Hopefully your guards can handle things if that were to happen.”
“I can take you over to the maximum security ward right now if you like, but there is something I would like you to do in return.”
“What do I have to do?” a bit of unease crept into Crane’s voice.
“I would like you to agree to spend a few days here as my patient. I want to give you something to help you get some rest. You look as if you’re ready to pass out.”
“He’s right, Lad. You look terrible. Stay and get some rest.” Nelson said, his blue eyes showing their concern for his friend.
“What about the meeting with Admiral Stark?” Lee asked.
“Chip can sit in on that. I could make it an order, Lee.”
“But you won’t.” Crane said amber- hazel eyes locking into clear blue ones.
“That’s right. I won’t.” Nelson said with a slight smile.
“Dr. Bricker I’ll stay.” Crane said, resignedly, “but I can’t promise for how long. Let’s go check out the security in Julie’s wing.”
Bricker smiled, “I think you’re doing the right thing Captain. I’ll have Miss Newman arrange a bed for you.”
“Private room, David and NIMR will bear all costs.” Nelson said.
Bricker nodded and left the two friends alone. “Lee, why didn’t you tell me you are still having nightmares about Krueger?” Nelson asked, concerned that Lee was keeping something like that from him.
“I didn’t want to bring up memories that I knew would hurt you. I know you still feel the guilt over shooting me, even though I’ve told you it wasn’t your fault. I couldn’t make you relive the nightmares you had for months after it was all over.”
Bricker stuck his head in and asked, “Are you ready to go?”
Both men nodded, and they followed Bricker to the north building that housed the Maximum-security patients. He used his card key and access code to open the door and went to the receptionist’s desk. While he was speaking to her Lee looked around the front lobby. An armed guard stood behind the nurse and another stood at the elevator. The only people walking around were Doctors or Nurses with patient charts in their hands. There were no visitors that he could see, and he began to feel better.
“Julie’s room is on the second floor. Do you feel like seeing her Lee? Or do you just want to check out the security on that floor?” Bricker asked.
“I think I’d like to see her. Make sure for myself that she doesn’t know anyone.”
“That just might be a good idea. If she were faking it, as you seem to think, she might react to seeing you. Let’s go.”
They took the elevator to the second floor. Another desk and receptionist were located just outside the door and they had to register before they could go through the electronic doors. Once they were through the door Bricker led the way to room number two-sixteen.
“Let me know when you’re ready.” he said looking at Lee Crane.
“Just give me a second.” He answered.
‘That voice! He’s here. Have to remain perfectly still, can’t let them see any emotion. Oh, to hold him in my arms again. Why can’t he love me the way I love him. Captain Lee Crane that’s what they called him when she was allowed to watch TV with the other patients. Her Captain Crane. I have to get rid of his friends, Nelson and Morton. They’re the ones who stand in our way. Here he comes. Have to remain still!’
Dr. Bricker opened the door and Lee Crane saw Julie Parsons-Radcliff for the first time in nearly three months. She was in hospital issue Pajamas, and her hair had grown down past her shoulders and was spread out on the pillow. Her eyes stared sightlessly at the ceiling. There was no reaction to the door being opened and he walked towards the bed. She still didn’t move. “Julie,” he said awkwardly. “Can you hear me?” Nothing.
‘This is so hard. I want to hold you, love you, and take care of you. But I must not move. I am so close to freedom. I just have to bide my time and I will be with you.’
“You see Lee. She is unable to move without commands. We have to tell her to eat, sleep, and even go to the washroom. She can’t even bathe by herself. It’s like someone found her switch and turned it off.” Bricker told him.
‘Bricker would have to pay as well. Talking about her as if she wasn’t here. They may think her mind was gone but what right did he have to talk about her like that. He would pay. I love you Lee!’
Lee stared at her, “I can’t believe it. She can’t hurt the people I care about anymore.” His voice sounded heavy with relief.
“That’s right Lee. Now let’s go get you settled for the night.” Dr. Bricker said.
‘He was going to be staying at the hospital, so close. Please stay with me just a little longer. I need to be near you, to hear your voice. How I want to hold you, love you, feel your arms around me. It’s been so long. Why are people always taking you away from me? I will have you and keep you. I love you? My darling Captain Lee Crane. What a wonderful life we will have.’
They walked away from the bed and never saw her turn her eyes to watch them.
“How long as she been like that?” Nelson questioned.
“Since the day she was admitted. She just couldn’t handle what happened.”
“You mean her obsession with Lee and the people she murdered.”
“Exactly. She shut down and hasn’t spoken since.” They turned in their visitor badges and walked out the door. The day had turned from Hot and sunny to cloudy and light rain. “Looks like we’re in for a storm.”
“I’ll see you settled Lee, then I have to go back to the Institute.” Nelson said.
“You don’t have to stay. I’m ok. I think seeing her like that helped me realize she won’t be a problem for a long time. I may even get some sleep tonight.”
“I still want you to stay for a few days. I think you’ll feel better after we talk about what you went through.” Bricker said.
“You sound just like Jamie. He’s always trying to keep me in sickbay.” Lee said with a smile. “I’ll stick to our deal. Admiral, you will call me and let me know how the meeting with Admiral Stark goes?”
“I will. Have a good night’s rest and I’ll call you in the morning.” Nelson told him as he left.
“Sounded like a doctors prescription without the two aspirin,” Bricker said with a smile, “Let’s get you settled. I’m going to let you fall asleep on your own. If the nightmares begin then we can give you something to help you relax. Sit here while I get the papers and assign you a room.”
Lee sat down on one of the soft lobby chairs to wait Dr. Bricker’s return. He watched as a bolt of lightening shot across the sky and the rain started to fall heavily. ‘Hope the Admiral drives carefully,’ he thought. Lightening flashed and streaked through the sky continually. Heavy raindrops hit the window. He began to worry about his friend. He went to a payphone and called Chip Morton. “Hi Chip. It’s Lee… I’m staying at Oceanview for a few days… Yeah, everything’s ok. Admiral Nelson will explain… He just left and I want you to call here and let me know when he arrives… That’s right, he left about fifteen minutes ago… Here comes Dr. Bricker... Don’t forget to call me as soon as he gets there… Bye Chip.” He hung up and turned to Bricker.
“Quite the storm this turned into.” Lee nodded and Bricker continued, “I have your room. Follow me.” They went to the first elevator and Bricker pushed third floor. “Admiral Nelson wanted you to have a private room. I hope this one is adequate.”
Crane was surprised, “More then adequate.” The room was as big as his living room in his house.
“There are pajamas in the top drawer of your dresser. Why don’t you put them on and I’ll be back with some papers for you to sign.” He left Lee alone in his room. Lee went to the dresser, took out a pair of powder blue Pajamas, and put them on. Bricker wasn’t back yet so he went to the window to watch the storm. He was mesmerised as flash after flash spread across the horizon from one end to the other. Thunder could be heard as it rolled through the clouds. ‘The storm must be directly overhead,’ he thought.
“Maybe you should move away from that window.” A women’s voice said from behind him, “My mother always said it was dangerous to stand to close to a window during a storm.”
“Your mother was right.” Lee said as he turned from the raging storm and walked over to her. She wore a nurse’s uniform and her badge said her name was Paula Chambers.
“I’m going to be looking after you tonight Captain Crane. My name is Paula Chambers and I’m a RN. I’ve been with Oceanview for almost a year now, and it’s the best Institute of its type in the Northern Hemisphere.”
“Nurse Chambers, I’ll try not to bother you to much while I’m here.” He told her.
“My job is to help you in any way I can. Please don’t hesitate to use your call button. It’s right here.” She showed him a button attached to his bed. “Dr. Bricker will be back any moment. He was just taking a phone call, and asked me to make sure you were ok. The Television is free so you can watch whatever you like,” she stopped as the door opened and Bricker came in.
“I see you two have met. Paula is the best RN we have Lee. She’ll be here till midnight. Hopefully you’ll be sleeping by then and won’t even notice the shift change.” He laughed. “But just in case you are having nightmares I’m leaving orders for a sedative to help you sleep.” When Lee started to protest Dr. Bricker held up his hands, “I know you said you felt better but I left it just in case. It won’t be forced on you. I want you to know that it’ll be your choice tonight. However if you’re still not getting any rest by tomorrow then I will make it part of your therapy, and yes, I just got off the phone with Doctor Jamison. He told me how stubborn you could be. Relax and get some rest. Oh, Doctor Jamison said to tell you he would come by tomorrow.”
“Great,” he said sarcastically. “Now I’ve got two mother hens.” He suddenly felt as if the room was spinning and he had to grab the bed to keep his balance.
“Maybe you need them.” Bricker said as he and Paula Chambers helped him into the bed. “You haven’t been looking after yourself and now your body is beginning to feel the effects of sleep deprivation. You really should have talked to someone before it went this far. Have you had dizzy spells before?”
“They started about two weeks ago when the nightmares started to come more frequently.” Lee said trying to hide a yawn. “Does the phone work. I have to make sure Admiral Nelson made it back to NIMR.”
“You can make that one call, and that’s it. Your body just told you it needs to rest and I mean for you to get it. I want you to sleep. I’ll check on you before I leave. Read this admitting paper and then sign the bottom.” Lee was so tired he did as he was told without any argument. Passing the paper back to Bricker he turned on his side and closed his eyes.
“Sleep now Lee. She can’t get out.” Bricker said reassuringly.
Outside the door Bricker gave Chambers some more instructions. “I want you checking Captain Crane every half hour. If he seems to be having nightmares give him the sedative and call me right away.”
“Yes Doctor.” She said as they walked to the nurses desk.” Will you be at home?”
“On a night like this it’s the only place to be.” He told her and left.
Paula Chambers made her rounds and was back to check on Crane a half hour later. He seemed to be sleeping peacefully so she closed the door.
Lee Crane was sleeping but it was anything but peaceful. Julie and Krueger were gaining on Nelson and Morton in the deserted corridors of Seaview. No matter how much he yelled and screamed at Julie and Krueger they ignored his pleas. Nelson and Morton ducked into sickbay only to have their pursuers go through the doors with them. Lee reached the doors but was unable to open them. He could here screams of pure terror coming from behind the door. NO. DEAR GOD NO. PLEASE LET THEM GO. A loud and painful scream resounded through the door and Lee Crane woke to the real world. Shaken and miserable he knew he wasn’t going back to sleep.
‘He’d been so close. All I had to do was reach out and hold you. But then they would have known what I’ve been doing.’ The storm was raging outside her window. ‘Tonight I will be free.’ She thought. ‘My love, I’ll be with you soon.’
Lee Crane couldn’t sleep. He heard the door open but kept his eyes closed, waiting till whoever it was went away. He got out of bed and went to the window to watch the storm. Looking at his watch he saw it was now eighteen hundred hours ‘Admiral Nelson should be back by now. Chip should have called. I’ve never seen a storm like this except in the middle of the ocean. Maybe I should have gone home with the Admiral. Do I really need this?’ As he felt another wave of weakness come over him he realized he did need to be here.
“Dr. Bricker wanted you to rest Captain.” Nurse Chambers said quietly from the doorway.
“I was watching the storm.” Crane told her. “Did anyone call?”
“Chip Morton just called and said to tell you he and Admiral Nelson were going to meet with Admiral Stark. Admiral Nelson made it back without any problems. Now why don’t you get back in bed and try to rest like Dr. Bricker said?” She asked.
“I told Dr. Bricker that I felt my friends were safe after I saw Julie, but I can’t shake this feeling that something’s going to happen and I can’t do anything to stop it.”
“Nothing will happen tonight. Come Captain, let me tuck you in. You really need your rest. Or do I call Dr. Bricker?”
Lee Crane laughed lightly and climbed back into bed. He looked at Paula Chambers and asked “Is it possible to get a sandwich and maybe a coffee.”
“I figured you’d be hungry so I ordered a tray. I’ll bring it as soon as it gets here. Rest while you’re waiting Captain.”
“I’ll try.” He managed a wan smile at the nurse. She remembered Crane from his previous visits to Oceanview to see Morton and Nelson when they had been patients here. This was not the same man. That Crane was always quick with a sharp reply, and a slightly flirtatious wink, and smile…. This was not the same Lee Crane.
‘What are you doing now, my Love, maybe he was dreaming about her?’ She smiled at the thought. They would be in to give her a shot soon. Bricker’s orders. It was so hard not to show emotions when she detested everything they did to her. Wait till she was out of here. She’d show them. Revenge would be sweet. Anyone who got in her way or tried to keep her from her love, her Captain, her destiny, would be made to suffer.’
Paula Chambers walked into Crane’s room with a dinner tray She put the tray on the table in front of him and took the lid off a ham and cheese sandwich. Instead of a coffee there was a glass of milk. “No caffeine. That means no coffee. The milk is warm and should help you sleep. I’ll be back for the tray in fifteen minutes.” She didn’t give him a chance to protest.
Lee Crane smiled. ‘Moms remedy’ he thought as he drank half the milk and started to eat the sandwich. It wasn’t bad. He ate half the sandwich and finished his milk. Closing his eyes he drifted off to sleep. Paula Chambers came in ten minutes later and quietly removed the tray.
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